The order, which takes effect immediately, allocates $2 million in new emergency funding for rental assistance, food access, and legal aid.
People protest in downtown Seattle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the wake of two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minnesota in January, 2026. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay on Wednesday signed an executive order aimed at strengthening protections and expanding emergency support for immigrant and refugee communities amid increased federal immigration enforcement activity.
The order, which takes effect immediately, allocates $2 million in new emergency funding for rental assistance, food access, and legal aid, and directs county agencies to review policies to ensure compliance with state laws limiting local involvement in federal immigration enforcement.Zahilay said the action was informed by four immigration roundtables he convened in January in North, Central, South, and East King County, where community leaders described growing fear and uncertainty. “Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship status, deserves safety, dignity, and to live without fear or intimidation,” Zahilay said in a statement. “During my listening sessions, I’ve heard directly from immigrant and refugee neighbors who are afraid to leave their homes and go to school, work, medical appointments, and even report crimes to local law enforcement.” He described the order as “an immediate step” to protect residents’ rights, maintain community trust, and ensure advocacy organizations have resources to respond to emerging needs. Among its provisions, the order directs the King County Sheriff’s Office to publish, within 30 days, publicly available protocols for responding to 911 calls reporting immigration enforcement activity. The guidance will include how deputies should verify the credentials of law enforcement officers who are not displaying identification and when body-worn camera recordings should be used. The order also prohibits federal immigration authorities from staging or conducting civil immigration enforcement activities in non-public areas of county-owned buildings and properties, including parking lots, garages, and vacant lots. In addition, all county departments are directed to support “Know Your Rights” education efforts and review policies to ensure alignment with the Keep Washington Working Act, the Courts Open to All Ac,t and county code. The King County International Airport is required to upgrade security cameras and improve observation areas to maintain public access and increase transparency around chartered deportation flights. The order establishes a “Welcoming County” subcabinet to advise Zahilay on further steps to support immigrant and refugee residents and reiterates the county’s advocacy to Washington’s congressional delegation opposing additional funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Upon taking office in November, Zahilay directed county departments not to coordinate with or assist in civil immigration enforcement, which he said is solely a federal responsibility. Last month, King County signed onto an amicus brief in Minnesota v. Noem challenging the Trump administration’s deployment of masked, armed federal immigration enforcement officers in cities, calling the actions unconstitutional and unlawful. Zahilay also signed a letter to the state’s federal delegation urging lawmakers not to approve additional ICE funding.Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda said local officials are working to “create greater stability and safeguards” in response to what she described as a surge in federal immigration enforcement. Councilmember Jorge Baron called the actions critical to protecting communities, while Councilmember Steffanie Fain said the order would strengthen coordination and provide clearer guidance, particularly in South King County, home to many immigrant and refugee families. King County Sheriff Patricia Cole-Tindall said the order provides direction for deputies on what they can and cannot do when federal immigration authorities operate locally. Advocates for immigrant communities also welcomed the move. Leaders from the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission called the order “a positive step,” while Roxana Norouzi, executive director of OneAmerica, said it sends a message that immigrants “belong here.” Kendee Yamaguchi, CEO of Asian Counseling and Referral Service, said the order reflects what communities have called for: practical support, legal protections, and coordinated county action. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project highlighted the importance of funding legal aid and basic needs assistance, and other community leaders said the measure would help families feel secure and connected to essential services. Zahilay characterized the executive order as a starting point and said the county will continue working with community partners to identify additional steps and close gaps in support.“These initial actions are a beginning,” he said, adding that the county will continue to evaluate future opportunities to strengthen protections for immigrant and refugee residents.It was a city-wide effort to efficiently clean up the aftermath of the Seahawks' enormous turnout for their Super Bowl parade in downtown Seattle.Tight end AJ Barner signed up for a swing shift at a popular fast-food restaurant.Since Kandula’s death, advocacy groups, including Indian American Community Services, have called for broader police reforms.Kid Rock, who performed at Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl halftime show, said that he didn’t lip sync during the performance.A rolled over semi-truck is blocking all but one lane of westbound State Route 18 near State Route 516 out of Covington.
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